Surviving Office Politics At Your New Job

By Simone Emmons

Whether you are just starting your first job or your 10th job,
you will find that office politics is consistent in all
companies.

Whether you are just starting your first job or your 10th
job, you will find that office politics is consistent in all
companies. Office politics is something that is inherent in
any company you may work for. It's part of the culture and
you won't be able to avoid it. So just how do you survive
office politics and still get to make your talents shine?
Simple, you need to market your talents everyday, just as you
did during the interview that got you the job.

You basically need to focus on fitting in with the scheme of
things around the office. Be friendly and outgoing and offer
support to your co-workers and management when possible.
Refuse to engage in the sleazier side of office politics and
soon management and your peers will take notice of you. You
will win their support and respect.

Don't be afraid to toot your own horn to management. Don't
assume that they should know what you do all day. They have
their own agenda and may take notice of some things that you
do, but many things may go unnoticed. Your positive attitude
and activities will rally support and leave a lasting
impression to everyone.

It's ok to offer to take on additional responsibilities, but
only do it if you have the time or someone else hasn't
stepped up to the plate. Don't bite off more than you can
chew, it will make matters worse and make you look
incompetent. The trick is to show that you are worth more and
soon you will not only fit in, but also come to be relied on
for more important assignments. You will be a player in the
game of office politics, no longer an outsider looking in. An
increase in responsibilities usually means a raise as well.

Playing the game of office politics well can lead to many
rewards in your career. In addition to fitting in and getting
personal recognition when an opportunity presents itself, you
also need to accept constructive criticism just as well.
Never take it personally, rather look at it as a chance to
grow and learn from mistakes. If you come off as defensive
when you are being criticized, it will sabotage any chance
you have of becoming part of a group.

Know your limitations, toot your own horn, play by the rules,
make your talents shine and most of all, respect yourself and
those around you. Remember that you will not be able to
please all of the people all of the time. But pleasing those
that count, those in authority and those that you work
closely with is equal to winning half the battle. Be subtle,
make the transition as seamless as possible and make yourself
useful. Only then will you have a chance at winning the war.
It is the easiest way to survive office politics in any
company.

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